Polycations and Their Complexes

Abstract

Free-energy changes have been determined for the binding of the anionic dyes Orange II and Methyl Orange to diethylaminoethyl cellulose and triethylaminoethyl cellulose. These polycations resemble wool and other natural polycations in some respects. It is shown, however, that the Gilbert-Rideal theory is not satisfactory for cellulosic polycations, and alternative treatments are given. It was found that the order of binding of some simple anions was I- > Br- > Cl-. The sulphate ion behaved anomalously and appeared to be sensitive to changes in the intersite distance. Diffuse reflectance spectra showed evidence of a metachromatic color change in the spectrum of the bound dyes.